These 10 corporations have significant power and innovation upon our society and technologically driven markets.

10. Sony
Not only is Sony well established in the video game console market with its Playstation brand, it also has numerous ties to regular household consumer electronics. Along with televisions, computers, and portable walkmans, Sony also has its hands on the DVD market with its new Blu-Ray Disc format.

9. General Electric
As a company that has existed since the late 19th century, with Thomas Edison aiding in its creation, GE also has its hold on a large portion of the consumer electronics market. Just some of the areas it controls includes, television, kitchen appliances, computing during the 60’s, and other anufacturing endeavors. GE also has extensive media control through NBC.

8. AT&T
AT&T has a long history as it once was a telephone monopoly conglomerate with almost complete control over the telecommunications market up until its breakup in 1982. SBC purchased its parent company and transformed itself into what we know as AT&T today.

7. Disney
While Disney is probably most well-known for its cartoon characters and movies, such as Mickey Mouse and Snow White, it is also heavily influential in other forms of entertainment. They own ABC and ESPN television networks, several radio stations, and also amusement parks like disneyland.

6. Time Warner
This company is the largest conglomerate on the list and the largest in the world, with influence in networks such as film, television, publishing, entertainment, and the internet. Some film and television studios it owns includes Warner Bros., HBO, TBS, and New Line Cinema. Time Warner gained internet exposure during the infamous AOL merger. Other services it provides include Cable, RoadRunner, along with Time magazine and its affiliates.

5. Viacom
Although the company split into Viacom and CBS in 2005, chairman of both companies, Sumner Redstone, still has majority control over both. Before the split, its primary holdings consisted of CBS, MTV, Paramount Pictures, and Showtime. It also offers retail sales through Blockbuster Video.

4. News Corporation
Probably better known through its affiliate, Fox, News Corp. has power through outlets like cable, movie, and print media. Fox News, 20th Century Fox, and SKY Network are just some examples. It even has internet influence such as the purchase of MySpace and IGN.

3. Apple
Apple was essential in the development of the personal computer, and the Macintosh, which has undergone numerous redesigns and changes. During more recent times, Apple became culturally innovative after releasing consumer electronic products such as the iPhone and iPod, and developing iTunes.

2. Microsoft
One of the younger companies compared to the others on the list, Microsoft is the world’s leader in software technology. Most known for its Windows Operating System, Office computer applications, and its founder, the wealthiest man in the world, Bill Gates. Microsoft has made endeavors more recently in the Video Game market with the Xbox console and Xbox live online network and marketplace.

1. Google
No other company has experienced the exponential amount of growth in as short a period of time as Google has. Google has the largest amount of control over the internet, even though the conditions may compare to complete anarchy, with its search engine technology. They have also been known to make some famous purchases such as of Youtube and DoubleClick. Other ventures Google has dabbled into include mapping technologies such as through Google Earth, email services, and advertising programs through adsense and adwords.

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